One Flock

May 08, 2005 By: Pastor Joseph LoSardo Series: The Good Shepherd Scripture: John 10:16; John 10:19-21
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. In John chapter 10 Jesus made a clear reference to the Jews as a sheep pen; and He as the true shepherd, called His own out of the Judaic religious system. Now Christ speaks of other sheep from other folds where many more sheep will be called. These are the nations. As He gathers His sheep from all nations, they together with the found sheep of the house of Israel form one new fold – one great flock, with one Grand Shepherd. Paul reiterates this truth in Romans 3:29-30 and Ephesians 2:13-17. It was always in the plan of God to have the Gospel go to the whole world, and today people from every race and national heritage are made brothers by adoption as sons of God. We are one in the Spirit; and it is pleasant in the sight of God when all of those who are his children dwell together in unity (Psalm 133). Unified by the true Gospel, Christians, just like the Jews in the first century must learn to accept, love and work with individuals from different backgrounds, burdens, callings, and gifts. We are all equally sinners, equally helpless, we have all equally come to the same Savior, the same Spirit, and we are all headed for the same eternal home. Every born-again Christian is individually a member of a larger unit called the body. Each is unique and gifted with varying talents which glorify our Father who gave them. No part of the body is of greater importance; however, a body can only function when each part is working properly and in harmony with each other, all in submission to the Head.